MAYOR GIULIANI MEETS P.O.W.E.R. GROUP AT COLER/GOLDWATER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
"People Opening The World's Eyes To Reality" Deliver Personal Messages Of How Gun Violence And Drugs Affected Their Lives
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today met with members of the P.O.W.E.R. (People Opening the World to Reality) group who recounted their violent brushes with death and the irreversible effects of gun-related violence and drug use. The Mayor sat with the group who ranged in age from 21 to 67 years-old as they delivered their dramatic message from wheel chairs and respirators at Coler/Goldwater Memorial Hospital on Roosevelt Island.
"No one is immune to the dangers of drugs and guns and the terrible effects they have on our citizens, both young and old," the Mayor said. "Members of the P.O.W.E.R. group have to live with this reality every day of their lives, and each day they are constantly reminded of the grave consequences of violence and drugs."
The members of the support group have all been paralyzed by gun fire. As part of their rehabilitation at Goldwater Hospital, they selflessly and courageously deliver their anti-gun and anti-drug message to schools, and to young people imprisoned in City jails and State prisons. Their message has reached thousands of young people in educational and correction facilities both here in New York and around the world.
The Mayor added, "The remarkable members of P.O.W.E.R., joining us here today, have either been victimized by, or directly involved with, drugs, substance abuse and gun violence. The results have been tragic but your spirits have endured. Each day that you visit children, and you share the pain of your experiences, you help to make a difference."
"By bringing your message directly to the children in our schools, you aid our anti-drug efforts that focus on educating children in a drug-free, and weapon-free, environment. We have made significant strides in reducing drug activity in our neighborhoods and our schools, but much more needs to be done. Your continued outreach will help reinforce this important message."
"I am happy to have the Mayor here because this is such an important program," said Samuel Lehrfeld, Executive Director of Coler/Goldwater Memorial Hospital. "The goal of P.O.W.E.R. is to reduce the number of children who are admitted to our hospital, and to increase the quality of the lives they lead. The P.O.W.E.R. members feel strongly that if their message can save even one life, their own personal tragedy has a benefit to the community as a whole."
All P.O.W.E.R. members are wheelchair bound, several are respirator dependent, and others are unable to move either their arms or legs. The group now has 14 members who range in age from 21- to 67-years-old.
On Wednesday, Mayor Giuliani announced a major drug-fighting initiative to combat drugs in New York City schools, neighborhoods, and streets. The drug-fighting strategy has at its core three essential elements of anti-drug law enforcement, treatment, and prevention/education. Joining the Mayor at today's event were Katie Lapp, Criminal Justice Coordinator, and Rosa Gil, Chairwoman of the Health and Hospitals Corporation.
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